A printed list of holiday events will run in The State on Thursdays.
TODAY
TOWN OF LEXINGTON SNOWBALL FESTIVAL: Today and Sunday, downtown Lexington. Inaugural event kicks off with 5K race, 8 a.m. today; proceeds will benefit PattyPacks, an organization dedicated to assisting individuals and families with Congenital Heart Disease. http://www.pattypacks.org The Snowball formal dance will be 6 tonight at the Lexington Municipal Conference Center; tickets are $30, proceeds benefit the Chris Myers Children’s Place; tickets available at Town Hall or by calling (803) 951-4630. Sunday’s activities include a 2 p.m. cellphone walking tour of historical downtown Lexington, followed by the 3:30 p.m. Christmas parade on Main Street; check out the Merry Mingle on Main and Craft Corner at 5 p.m.; a 5:30 p.m. concert featuring Tara Scheyer and the Mud Puppy Band will be held at Lexington Square; the day wraps up with a tree lighting at 6:30 p.m., also at Lexington Square.
JINGLE BELL WALK FOR LIFE: 9 a.m. today at 1210 Chapin Road, Chapin and 1601 Martin St., Newberry. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. One-mile walk to support life and show children they are important. Proceeds will go to the Crisis Pregnancy Center of Lake Murray. (803) 719-3252; http://www.cpclakemurray.org
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: 9 a.m. today at Columbia Children’s Theatre, Richland Mall, second level, 3400 Forest Drive. Breakfast, photos and holiday activities followed by 10:30 a.m. performance of CCT’S “The Christmas Doll”; $12. (803) 691-4548; http://www.columbiachildrenstheatre.com
SHOP WITHOUT KIDS: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. today at the Barclay School, 4702 Colonial Drive. $25 per child; siblings, $10 each. Arts and crafts for children while parents shop. Barclay is a private school for students with diverse learning issues so special needs students are welcome. Space is limited, call (803) 629-6318 to register.
BANK OF AMERICA’S "MUSEUMS ON US" WEEKEND: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. today and noon-5 p.m. Sunday at EdVenture Children’s Museum, 211 Gervais St. Bank of America cardholders enjoy free admission the first full weekend monthly. (803) 779-3100; http://www.edventure.org
TRAIN RIDES WITH SANTA: 9:30, 11:30 a.m., 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 15 at the S.C. Railroad Museum, 110 Industrial Park Road, Winnsboro. First class, $20 (all tickets); coach, $12; children, $9; age 2 and younger, free. Don’t forget to bring your letters to Santa. (803) 712-4135; http://www.scrm.org
CAROLINA CARILLON HOLIDAY PARADE: 9:45 a.m. today. Parade will begin at Gervais and Bull streets, proceed west on Gervais, pass in front of the State House and continue into the Vista to Park Street.
CHRISTMAS AT KENSINGTON OPEN HOUSE: 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. today, 4101 McCords Ferry Road, Eastover. Home tours, carriage rides, period music and refreshments. $6; children, $3. (803) 968-4129
HISTORIC COLUMBIA FOUNDATION HOUSE TOURS: The Robert Mills House, Hampton-Preston Mansion and the Mann-Simons Site will be decorated for the holidays and tours will be held 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and 1-4 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 30 (except Dec. 25). $6; children, $3. (803) 252-7742; http://www.historiccolumbia.org
“THE CHRISTMAS DOLL”: 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. today at the Columbia Children’s Theatre, second level, Richland Mall, 3400 Forest Drive. $8; (803) 691-4548; http://www.columbiachildrenstheatre.com
NEWBERRY CHRISTMAS PARADE: 11 a.m. today on Main Street, enjoy shopping and lunch downtown after the parade and then check out the Tour of Homes at 4 p.m. Tickets are $20; groups of 10 or more, $18. (803) 276-4274; (803) 276-6264
HEALTH, WELLNESS AND EDUCATION EXPO: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. today at Bluff Road Park, 148 Carswell Drive. (803) 776-8698
CHRISTMAS AND HOLIDAY CELEBRATION: 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. today at Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church, 120 Marydale Lane. Games, holiday foods, cultural activities, silent auction, entertainment and family activities, $3. A dinner will cap off the day, tickets are $7. (803) 772-7400
MAIN STREET ICE: Ice skating rink at Boyd Plaza, Main and Hampton streets. Regular hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 1-9 p.m. Sundays through Jan. 6 (closed Christmas Day). $10; age 12 and younger, $8. Special senior and military discounts will be offered; includes skate rentals. (803) 545-3100
HOLIDAY TASTE & TOUR: Noon-4 p.m. today at the Village of Hopkins, 214 Hopkins Road (Hopkins Road at Lower Richland Boulevard). Norfolk Southern Exhibit Car tours, carriage rides, miniature train rides, food samplings, farmers market, vendors and live entertainment. Sponsored by the South East Rural Community Outreach and the Richland County Hospitality Tax Revenue Fund. (803) 788-7185; http://www.serco.org
MIDLANDS CLAY ARTS SOCIETY HOLIDAY SALE: Noon-4 p.m. today and Sunday at Gallery 80808, 808 Lady St. Free admission, cash and checks only. (201) 839-6386; http://www.facebook.com/midlandsclayarts
CARILLON CAROLERS: 1-4 p.m. Saturday at Columbiana Centre, 100 Columbiana Circle.
FESTIVUS IN FIVE POINTS: ART Vandelay Shop-n-Sip, 4-8 tonight. http://www.fivepointscolumbia.com
CAYCE HISTORICAL MUSEUM HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: 6 tonight at 1800 12th St. Each room of the museum will be decorated with trees and crafts from the 18th century to the present. Live entertainment, docents in period dress and light refreshments. As darkness falls, take a War Between the States lantern tour. (803) 739-5385
GALA FOR A GREENER MIDLANDS: 6 tonight at the Holiday Inn, 110 McSwain Drive, West Columbia. Black-tie optional fundraiser to benefit Keep the Midlands Beautiful will feature a silent auction, dinner and awards program followed by dancing; $75 (table sponsorships available). (803) 733-2526; http://www.keepthemidlandsbeautiful.org
LIGHTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS: 6-9 nightly through Dec. 30 at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden (closed Dec. 24-25). Santa’s Village, giant snow globe, Music in Motion, Jingle Bell Bonfire and snow. $10; ages 3-12, $8 (advance tickets, $8 and $6); one free visit with Riverbanks membership card and picture ID; guest passes not accepted. Parking on the zoo side only. (803) 779-8717; http://www.riverbanks.org
HOLIDAY LIGHTS ON THE RIVER: 6-10 nightly through Dec. 31 at Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Road. Drive-through lights display features Dazzling Dancing Forest, Victorian Village with carolers, hayrides and boardwalk stroll. $10 per car, 15-passenger vans, $20; buses, $35. (803) 772-3903; http://www.icrc.net
“ONCE UPON A CHRISTMASTIME”: 7 tonight and 3 p.m. Sunday at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bull and Blanding streets. General admission tickets, $5; available at the door. Accepting donations for Harvest Hope Food Bank.
LEXINGTON COUNTY CHORAL SOCIETY: Holiday concert, 7:30 tonight at Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church, 5503 Sunset Blvd., Lexington. $20; age 65 and older, $15; students, $6. http://www.lexcochoralsoc.org
ERIN THOMAS CONCERT: 8 pm. Saturday in the Fountain Room at Tapp’s Art Center, 1644 Main St. The Nashville-based singer/songwriter will perform original music and Christmas favorites. Beer, wine and appetizers will be served. Tickets are $20 at the door; $10 with a new, unwrapped toy to benefit Toys for Tots.
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST WITH ST. NICHOLAS: 9 and 11 a.m. Sunday at Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church, 120 Marydale Lane. $5; (803) 772-7400
BANK OF AMERICA’S "MUSEUMS ON US" WEEKEND: Noon-5 p.m. Sunday at EdVenture Children’s Museum, 211 Gervais St. Bank of America cardholders enjoy free admission the first full weekend monthly. (803) 779-3100; http://www.edventure.org
MIDLANDS CLAY ARTS SOCIETY HOLIDAY SALE: Noon-4 p.m. Sunday at Gallery 80808, 808 Lady St. Free admission, cash and checks only. (201) 839-6386; http://www.facebook.com/midlandsclayarts
HISTORIC COLUMBIA FOUNDATION HOUSE TOURS: The Robert Mills House, Hampton-Preston Mansion and the Mann-Simons Site will be decorated for the holidays and tours will be held 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and 1-4 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 30 (except Dec. 25). $6; children, $3. (803) 252-7742; http://www.historiccolumbia.org
MAIN STREET ICE: Ice skating rink at Boyd Plaza, Main and Hampton streets. Regular hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 1-9 p.m. Sundays through Jan. 6 (closed Christmas Day). $10; age 12 and younger, $8. Special senior and military discounts will be offered; includes skate rentals. (803) 545-3100
HOMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS TOUR: 2-6 p.m. Sunday at A.C. Moore Elementary School, 333 Etiwan Ave. Six homes, Doors of Sims Alley and St. John’s Episcopal Church. Advance tickets, $15; available at Piggly Wiggly (Devine Street and Forest Drive stores), Revente, Edwin Watts Golf, Just the Thing, Gibson’s on Devine and at http://www.ticketleap.com. At the door, $20. Sponsored by the Shandon Neighborhood Council and the Hollywood-Rose Hill Neighborhood Association, proceeds will benefit A.C. Moore and Rosewood Elementary, Hand Middle and Dreher High as well as neighborhood projects.
TOWN OF LEXINGTON SNOWBALL FESTIVAL: Sunday’s activities of the two-day inaugural event include a 2 p.m. cellphone walking tour of historical downtown Lexington, followed by the 3:30 p.m. Christmas parade on Main Street; check out the Merry Mingle on Main and Craft Corner at 5 p.m.; a 5:30 p.m. concert featuring Tara Scheyer and the Mud Puppy Band will be held at Lexington Square; the day wraps up with a tree lighting at 6:30 p.m., also at Lexington Square.
“THIS MAN CALLED JESUS”: 2:30 p.m. Sunday, special needs performance of Christmas drama at Lake Murray Baptist Church, 1001 U.S. 378 West, Lexington. ASL interpreters for the hearing impaired will be available this performance only. Free. (803) 356-4304; http://www.thismancalledjesus.org
CAROLINA JAZZ SOCIETY: 2:30-5 p.m. Sunday at the Capital Senior Center, 1650 Park Circle (Maxcy Gregg Park). Dixieland jazz, ragtime and swing with Dick Goodwin, Doug Graham, Bruce Clark, Reggie Sullivan, Jim Hall and Aletha Jacobs. $10; age 18 and younger, free. (803) 432-1504
“THE CHRISTMAS DOLL”: 3 p.m. Sunday at the Columbia Children’s Theatre, second level, Richland Mall, 3400 Forest Drive. $8; (803) 691-4548; http://www.columbiachildrenstheatre.com
S.C. PHILHARMONIC: “Holiday Pops” concert, 3 p.m. Sunday at the Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College, 7300 College St., Irmo. $22; http://www.harbisontheatre.org
“ONCE UPON A CHRISTMASTIME”: 3 p.m. Sunday at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bull and Blanding streets. General admission tickets, $5; available at the door. Accepting donations for Harvest Hope Food Bank.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS, A CELEBRATION OF THE MUSICAL TRADITIONS OF CHRISTMAS AND HANUKKAH: 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Chapin United Methodist Church, 415 Old Lexington Highway, Chapin. Dutch Fork Choral Society holiday concert is free, but donations will be accepted at the door.
USC CONCERT CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT: 6 p.m. Sunday at Shandon United Methodist Church, 3407 Devine St. Sacred works and Christmas songs; free.
BENEDICT COLLEGE CONCERT CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT: 6 p.m. Sunday in Antisdel Chapel on campus. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots Campaign.
LIGHTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS: 6-9 nightly through Dec. 30 at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden (closed Dec. 24-25). Santa’s Village, giant snow globe, Music in Motion, Jingle Bell Bonfire and snow. $10; ages 3-12, $8 (advance tickets, $8 and $6); one free visit with Riverbanks membership card and picture ID; guest passes not accepted. Parking on the zoo side only. (803) 779-8717; http://www.riverbanks.org
HOLIDAY LIGHTS ON THE RIVER: 6-10 nightly through Dec. 31 at Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Road. Drive-through lights display features Dazzling Dancing Forest, Victorian Village with carolers, hayrides and boardwalk stroll. $10 per car, 15-passenger vans, $20; buses, $35. (803) 772-3903; http://www.icrc.net
“ SING NOEL, SING HALLELUJAH”: Christmas concert, 7 p.m. Sunday and Monday at Riverland Hills Baptist Church, 201 Lake Murray Blvd., Irmo. Free; doors open at 6:15 p.m. http://www.riverlandhills.org
MONDAY
MAIN STREET ICE: Ice skating rink at Boyd Plaza, Main and Hampton streets. Regular hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 1-9 p.m. Sundays through Jan. 6 (closed Christmas Day). $10; age 12 and younger, $8. Special senior and military discounts will be offered; includes skate rentals. (803) 545-3100
GOVERNOR’S CAROLIGHTING: 6 p.m. Monday on the north side of the State House (Gervais Street). Sponsored by the City of Columbia, Columbia Breakfast Optimist Club, Columbia Garden Club and the Garden Club of South Carolina.
LIGHTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS: 6-9 nightly through Dec. 30 at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden (closed Dec. 24-25). Santa’s Village, giant snow globe, Music in Motion, Jingle Bell Bonfire and snow. $10; ages 3-12, $8 (advance tickets, $8 and $6); one free visit with Riverbanks membership card and picture ID; guest passes not accepted. Parking on the zoo side only. (803) 779-8717; http://www.riverbanks.org
HOLIDAY LIGHTS ON THE RIVER: 6-10 nightly through Dec. 31 at Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Road. Drive-through lights display features Dazzling Dancing Forest, Victorian Village with carolers, hayrides and boardwalk stroll. $10 per car, 15-passenger vans, $20; buses, $35. (803) 772-3903; http://www.icrc.net
“ SING NOEL, SING HALLELUJAH”: Christmas concert, 7 p.m. Monday at Riverland Hills Baptist Church, 201 Lake Murray Blvd., Irmo. Free; doors open at 6:15 p.m. http://www.riverlandhills.org
TUESDAY
HISTORIC COLUMBIA FOUNDATION HOUSE TOURS: The Robert Mills House, Hampton-Preston Mansion and the Mann-Simons Site will be decorated for the holidays and tours will be held 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and 1-4 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 30 (except Dec. 25). $6; children, $3. (803) 252-7742; http://www.historiccolumbia.org
WOODROW WILSON FAMILY HOME HARD HAT TOURS: 11 a.m. Tuesday at 1705 Hampton St.; $6. (803) 252-1770, ext. 24 or email reservations@historiccolumbia.org
MAIN STREET ICE: Ice skating rink at Boyd Plaza, Main and Hampton streets. Regular hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 1-9 p.m. Sundays through Jan. 6 (closed Christmas Day). $10; age 12 and younger, $8. Special senior and military discounts will be offered; includes skate rentals. (803) 545-3100
MODJESKA SIMKINS BIRTHDAY PARTY: 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday at 2025 Marion St. Join the S.C. Progressive Network in a celebration of the life and legacy of the Palmetto State’s human rights matriarch. Free; open to the public. (803) 808-3384; http://www.scpronet.com
LIGHTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS: 6-9 nightly through Dec. 30 at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden (closed Dec. 24-25). Santa’s Village, giant snow globe, Music in Motion, Jingle Bell Bonfire and snow. $10; ages 3-12, $8 (advance tickets, $8 and $6); one free visit with Riverbanks membership card and picture ID; guest passes not accepted. Parking on the zoo side only. (803) 779-8717; http://www.riverbanks.org
HOLIDAY LIGHTS ON THE RIVER: 6-10 nightly through Dec. 31 at Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Road. Drive-through lights display features Dazzling Dancing Forest, Victorian Village with carolers, hayrides and boardwalk stroll. $10 per car, 15-passenger vans, $20; buses, $35. (803) 772-3903; http://www.icrc.net
TOWN OF IRMO TREE-LIGHTING CEREMONY: 6 p.m. Tuesday at Irmo Town Park (Columbia Avenue and Carlisle Street, two blocks of Lake Murray Boulevard). Entertainment by the Irmo Elementary 4th Grade Singing Bees, refreshments and Santa will arrive on a fire truck. (803) 781-7050
CRIME PREVENTION CLASS FOR RED BANK BUSINESSES: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Life Springs Worship Center, 5630 Platt Springs Road. Offered by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, the free class will include information about how businesses can remove opportunities for persons to shoplift items and commit robberies. (803) 606-8223
YOUNG SANDLAPPER SINGERS: “Silver Bells, Golden Harps, Brass Magic,” 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Dreher High School Performing Arts Center, 3317 Millwood Ave. $20; military, $18; students, $10. (803) 381-5481; http://www.sandlappersingers.org
USC WIND ENSEMBLE: “Mail from Mozart,” 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St.; free.
WEDNESDAY
COMMUNITY SHRED DAY: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wedesday at Shred360, 431 Western Lane, Irmo. Accepting office quality paper products, no metals, plastics or hazardous materials. Limit five boxes or bags. Shred360 is also teaming up with the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. Accepting new, unwrapped toys and cash donations at the event. (803) 309-3909
HISTORIC COLUMBIA FOUNDATION HOUSE TOURS: The Robert Mills House, Hampton-Preston Mansion and the Mann-Simons Site will be decorated for the holidays and tours will be held 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and 1-4 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 30 (except Dec. 25). $6; children, $3. (803) 252-7742; http://www.historiccolumbia.org
MAIN STREET ICE: Ice skating rink at Boyd Plaza, Main and Hampton streets. Regular hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 1-9 p.m. Sundays through Jan. 6 (closed Christmas Day). $10; age 12 and younger, $8. Special senior and military discounts will be offered; includes skate rentals. (803) 545-3100
PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA: 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at Pupcakes, 625 Harden St. Pupcakes will donate the proceeds from professional sitting fees of $15 per photo session with pets and their owners to PAALS (Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services). Ten percent of all sales from 5-8 p.m. will also be donated to PAALS. Service dog candidates will be at the event celebrating some of their recent birthdays. To schedule an appointment, call (803) 461-0326.
LIGHTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS: 6-9 nightly through Dec. 30 at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden (closed Dec. 24-25). Santa’s Village, giant snow globe, Music in Motion, Jingle Bell Bonfire and snow. $10; ages 3-12, $8 (advance tickets, $8 and $6); one free visit with Riverbanks membership card and picture ID; guest passes not accepted. Parking on the zoo side only. (803) 779-8717; http://www.riverbanks.org
HOLIDAY LIGHTS ON THE RIVER: 6-10 nightly through Dec. 31 at Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Road. Drive-through lights display features Dazzling Dancing Forest, Victorian Village with carolers, hayrides and boardwalk stroll. $10 per car, 15-passenger vans, $20; buses, $35. (803) 772-3903; http://www.icrc.net
(ALMOST) LIVE FROM THE 92nd STREET Y: Lecture by former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Jewish Community Center, 306 Flora Drive. Suitable for age 16 and older. $8 in advance; $10 at the door. (803) 787-2023
THURSDAY
KENSINGTON MANSION TOURS: Guided, holiday-themed tours will be held Thursdays-Saturdays through Jan. 12. Times are 9:30 and 11 a.m., 1 and 2:30 p.m. Adult tickets are $5.50; seniors, $4.50, children, $2.50. Groups of 10 or more are asked to make a reservation. (803) 968-4129
HISTORIC COLUMBIA FOUNDATION HOUSE TOURS: The Robert Mills House, Hampton-Preston Mansion and the Mann-Simons Site will be decorated for the holidays and tours will be held 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and 1-4 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 30 (except Dec. 25). $6; children, $3. (803) 252-7742; http://www.historiccolumbia.org
MAIN STREET ICE: Ice skating rink at Boyd Plaza, Main and Hampton streets. Regular hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 1-9 p.m. Sundays through Jan. 6 (closed Christmas Day). $10; age 12 and younger, $8. Special senior and military discounts will be offered; includes skate rentals. (803) 545-3100
ALL-PRO DADS NIGHT OUT: 5:30 p.m. Thursday at New Providence Elementary School, 1118 Old Cherokee Road, Lexington. Fathers and children will be treated to corn dogs, iced tea, caramel corn and chips. A movie suitable for elementary-school children will be screened. The event is sponsored by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and Lexington 1. West Lexington Resident Deputy Miles Rawl is coordinating, (803) 785-9896.
FOREST ACRES’ SWEET SEASONS: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday on the rooftop of Richland Mall, Beltline Boulevard and Forest Drive. Photos with Santa, face painting, magician, free desserts, beer, wine and fare from local restaurants will be available for sale, door prizes, music by Carillon Carolers, Island Close By, 7 p.m. tree lighting.
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY DROP-IN: 6-8 p.m. Thursday in the squad room at the Lexington County Law Enforcement Complex, 421 Gibson Road, Lexington. Refreshments will be served and Santa will be in attendance. Accepting non-perishable food items and new, unwrapped toys for the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department Holiday Food and Toy Drive.
FIRST THURSDAYS ON MAIN MINGLE & JINGLE: 6-9 pm. Thursday, downtown Columbia. Monthly art crawl and streetfest takes on a holiday theme with crafters, food, entertainment and merchants’ special deals. (803) 988-1065; http://firstthursdaysonmain.com
LIGHTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS: 6-9 nightly through Dec. 30 at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden (closed Dec. 24-25). Santa’s Village, giant snow globe, Music in Motion, Jingle Bell Bonfire and snow. $10; ages 3-12, $8 (advance tickets, $8 and $6); one free visit with Riverbanks membership card and picture ID; guest passes not accepted. Parking on the zoo side only. (803) 779-8717; http://www.riverbanks.org
HOLIDAY LIGHTS ON THE RIVER: 6-10 nightly through Dec. 31 at Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Road. Drive-through lights display features Dazzling Dancing Forest, Victorian Village with carolers, hayrides and boardwalk stroll. $10 per car, 15-passenger vans, $20; buses, $35. (803) 772-3903; http://www.icrc.net
COLUMBIA CHRISTMAS PAGEANT: Thursday through Dec. 9 at First Baptist Church, 1306 Hampton St. Performances at 7 p.m. Thursday and Dec. 7; 2 and 5 p.m. Dec. 8 and 4 p.m. Dec. 9. Free, but tickets are required. (803) 217-3250; http://www.columbiachristmaspageant.com
“A CHRISTMAS CAROL”: Sumter Little Theatre production, Thursday through Dec. 9 and Dec. 13-16 at 14 Mood Ave., Sumter. Performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 3 p.m. on Sundays. $15; students, seniors and military, $12. (803) 775-2150
FRIDAY
CARILLON CAROLERS: 4-7 p.m. Friday at Columbiana Centre, 100 Columbiana Circle.
HOLIDAY BALL: 6 p.m. Friday at Greenview Park, 5700 David St. Sponsored by the City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department, the semi-formal event is for age 50 and older. Tickets are $12 and include dinner, live music, dancing and more. Seating is limited. (803) 545-3100
SANTA VISITS LUGOFF: 6:30-9 p.m. Friday at Lugoff-Elgin High School, U.S. 1. Refreshments, stockings filled with goodies for the kids, photos with Santa (take your own or let the professionals do it). (803) 438-2553
“THIS MAN CALLED JESUS”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Dec. 7 and 14; 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 8-16. Christmas drama at Lake Murray Baptist Church, 1001 U.S. 378 West, Lexington. Free. (803) 356-4304; http://www.thismancalledjesus.org
UPCOMING EVENTS
TRAIN RIDES WITH SANTA: 9:30, 11:30 a.m., 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 15 at the S.C. Railroad Museum, 110 Industrial Park Road, Winnsboro. First class, $20 (all tickets); coach, $12; children, $9; age 2 and younger, free. Don’t forget to bring your letters to Santa. (803) 712-4135; http://www.scrm.org
CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOP: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 8 at Tapp’s Art Center, 1644 Main St. $45; includes all materials, guides, practice papers, art supplies and a calligraphy pen to keep. Advance registration, (843) 482-0127 or email lawrence.natasha@gmail.com
CAPITAL CITY/LAKE MURRAY VISITORS CENTER HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 8 and noon-3 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Historic Lorick Plantation House, 2184 N. Lake Drive (S.C. 6), Columbia. Refreshments, book signings — Ollie Moye (“North to Prosperity”), Dec. 8 and 9 and Rachel Haynie (“Cornfield to Airfield: A History of Columbia Army Air Base”), Dec. 9. (803) 781-5940, ext. 2.
FAMILY DAY: 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 8 at the Robert Mills House, 1616 Blanding St. Holiday crafts and activities for children. $6 for the first child, $3 for each additional child, HCF members, free. (803) 252-7742; http://www.historiccolumbia.org
FALL NATURE WALK: 10 a.m. Dec. 8 at Sesquicentennial State Park, 9564 Two Notch Road. Hour-long casual stroll for age 5 and older. $5; seniors and age 15 and younger, $3. Adults must accompany children 15 and younger. Preregistration required, deadline is Dec. 7. (803) 788-2706 or email sesqui@scprt.com
CITY OF COLUMBIA PARKS AND RECREATION ART CENTER: Holiday open house, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 8 at 1932 Calhoun St. Orginal works by City of Columbia art studio members will be available for sale through Dec. 24. Hours are 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays. (803) 545-3100
ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION: 11 a.m.-noon Dec. 8 at the Carolina Children’s Garden, Clemson University Sandhill Research and Education Center, Clemson and Two Notch roads. Acorn puppet show, tree tour, tree planting and a holiday tree for the birds. Free.
CHOIR SHOWCASE: Local elementary school choruses will perform noon-4 p.m. Dec. 8 in front of the Robert Mills House, 1616 Blanding St. Optional house tours, $1. (803) 252-7742; http://www.historiccolumbia.org
COLUMBIA CLASSIC CHEVY CLUB CRUISE-IN: Noon-4 p.m. Dec. 8 at Woodberry Plaza, 3254 Augusta Road, West Columbia. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to be distributed to the needy by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.
CARILLON CAROLERS: 1-4 p.m. Dec. 8 at Columbiana Centre, 100 Columbiana Circle.
PAINT WITH SANTA: 1-7 p.m. Dec. 8 at Art Smart Academy, 7320 Broad River Road. Bring three non-perishable food items and paint one free ornament (don’t forget to bring kids’ letters to Santa). For $50, a group of four can enjoy lunch, paint four ornaments during a 90-minute session and pose for a picture with Santa; call for reservations. (803) 667-9912; http://www.artsmartacademy.com
“THIS MAN CALLED JESUS”: 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 8-16; 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14. Christmas drama at Lake Murray Baptist Church, 1001 U.S. 378 West, Lexington. Free. (803) 356-4304; http://www.thismancalledjesus.org
CHRISTMAS AT KILLIAN PARK: 4:30-7 p.m. Dec. 8 at 1424 Marthan Road, Blythewood. Food, arts and crafts, children’s activities and presents for all ages. Free. (803) 754-7980
LIGHTS OF LUGOFF CHRISTMAS PARADE: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8. Parade will begin at the BP station, 742 U.S. 1, proceed down U.S. 1 South and turn right onto S.C. 34. Both lanes of U.S. 1 will be closed beginning at 6 p.m. Sponsored by the Lugoff Optimist Club. http://www.lightsoflugoff.com
HOME WORKS CHRISTMAS VILLAGE: 1-4 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 9-23 at the Home Works warehouse, 2812 William H. Tuller Drive. Pictures with Santa, Starbucks coffee and candy canes. (803) 206-6974
COLONIAL CHRISTMAS IN CAMDEN: 2-5 p.m. Sunday at the Kershaw-Cornwallis House and Lower Grounds, Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site, 222 Broad St. Guided tours, colonial games, scavenger hunt, refreshments, gift shop discounts. $5; ages 6-12, $3; age 5 and younger, free. (803) 432-9841; http://www.historic-camden.net
LEXINGTON COUNTY MUSEUM CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE: 2-5 pm. Dec. 9 at 231 Fox St., Lexington. Most of the 30 historic structures in the complex will be open and decorated for the season. Free, live music, refreshments. (803) 359-8369; http://www.lex-co.sc.gov/museum
BLYTHEWOOD CHRISTMAS PARADE: 3 p.m. Dec. 9 beginning at Oakhurst Road and Main Street (near the fire station) and ending at Bethel-Hanberry Elementary School. Grand marshal will be Art Baker. Parade will feature marching bands, Scout troops, JROTC groups, dance groups, classic cars, equestrians and Santa (of course). (803) 712-3806
LUNCH AND LEARN: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Capital Senior Center, 1650 Park Circle (Maxcy Gregg Park). Christina DeRienzo, education coordinator for the Palmetto Poison Control Center will discuss drug interactions and medication management. Free and open to the public. Bring a bag lunch, beverage and dessert will be provided. Call (803) 779-1971 to reserve a spot.
ERNIE HAASE & SIGNATURE SOUND CHRISTMAS CONCERT: 7 p.m. Dec. 13 at First Baptist of Lexington, 415 Barr Road, Lexington. $25-$30. (803) 957-0686; http://www.fblex.org
LIVE NATIVITY AND CHRISTMAS PUPPET SHOW: 6 p.m. Dec. 14 and 15 in the parking lot at Sandhill Heights Baptist Church, 2992 Bowen St., Elgin. Outdoor event, bring blankets and dress for the weather. (803) 600-2086
NIGHTS OF WONDER: 6-10 p.m. Dec. 14-23 at Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Road. Red-Nose Express Hayride, Saluda Shoals Choo-Choo, Winter Wonder Ride (downhill tubing without the snow), holiday crafts, marshmallow roast and visit with Santa. Part of the park’s Holiday Lights on the River, which runs through Dec. 31, admission is $10 per car; 15-passenger vans, $20; buses, $35. (803) 772-3903; http://www.icrc.net
“BAH, HUMBUG! SCROOGE’S CHRISTMAS CAROL”: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 and 15; 3 p.m. Dec. 15 and 16 at Town Theatre, 1012 Sumter St. Tickets for Town Theatre’s Youth Group production are $10, general admission. Free photos with Santa at the Dec. 16 performance. (803) 799-2510; http://www.towntheatre.com
COLUMBIA CHORAL SOCIETY WINTER CONCERT: 7:30 pm. Dec. 14 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 1529 Assembly St. $12; seniors, $10; students, $5. http://www.columbiachoralsociety.org
CRAFTY FEAST: Independent craft fair, 11 a.m.-6 pm. Dec. 15 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln St. Crafts, music, food, drink, kids’ crafts and shopping. Admission, $2; free for age 12 and younger. (803) 348-8861; http://www.craftyfeast.com
